Valley of Flowers Trek About Valley of Flowers The Valley of Flowers lives up to its name, with an endless supply of flowers in full bloom. The journey could even be renamed a floral fairytale romance! The Valley of Flowers' unique landscape is like a dream come true: an exquisite valley bejewelled with a never-ending stretch of flowers. Between the rocky mountain ranges of Zanskar and the Great Himalayas are lovely meadows studded with indigenous alpine flora. The area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, was designated as a national park in 1982. The endless stretch of gorgeous vegetation, dotted with colourful blossoms of pink, yellow, purple, red, blue, and orange hues, is the highlight of this excursion. Throughout the hike, the fragrant scent of the carpeting flowers entices you. Botanists, flower lovers, bird watchers, wildlife photographers, hikers, environment enthusiasts, and adventure seekers from all over the world are drawn to the valley's unspoiled beauty. It...
Valley of Flowers Trek
About Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers lives up to its name, with an endless supply of flowers in full bloom. The journey could even be renamed a floral fairytale romance!
The Valley of Flowers' unique landscape is like a dream come true: an exquisite valley bejewelled with a never-ending stretch of flowers. Between the rocky mountain ranges of Zanskar and the Great Himalayas are lovely meadows studded with indigenous alpine flora.
The area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, was designated as a national park in 1982. The endless stretch of gorgeous vegetation, dotted with colourful blossoms of pink, yellow, purple, red, blue, and orange hues, is the highlight of this excursion. Throughout the hike, the fragrant scent of the carpeting flowers entices you. Botanists, flower lovers, bird watchers, wildlife photographers, hikers, environment enthusiasts, and adventure seekers from all over the world are drawn to the valley's unspoiled beauty.
It's an easy to moderate hike that provides a rare opportunity to visit the Uttarakhand Himalayas, which have an area of the valley covered in flowers. It is also regarded as a perfect walk for first-timers, particularly families and children. One also has the opportunity to visit the holiest pilgrimage site of Hemkund Sahib.
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It's a simple to moderate hike that provides unique access to the Uttarakhand Himalayas, which include a flower-filled valley. It is also regarded as a good journey for first-timers, including families with children. One also has the opportunity to visit the holiest pilgrimage site, Hemkund Sahib.
The Valley of Flowers hailed as one of the most beautiful Himalayan treks, is one of the few trekking trips that can be experienced during the rainy season. The Valley of Flowers journey is a well-crafted bundle wrapped in blissful colours.
Valley of Flowers "Foolon ki Ghati" is a well-known monsoon hike in Uttarakhand, Himalayas. The best months to visit are July and August. This valley was designated a National Park in 1982 and is well-known for its diverse flora and wildlife, which includes a wide range of colourful blooms as well as rare and endangered species.
This entire colourful valley is a blend of panoramic mountain ranges, lush green meadows, colourful flowers, and clouds, making it the ideal location for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and botanists. There are numerous fairy tales related with this valley, the most common of which is falling asleep due to the aromas of flowers. The Valley of Flowers hike begins on the Govind Ghat pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand.
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The countless flower patches of vibrant colours accented with meandering mountain streams, dewy meadows snuggled in the lap of snow-capped mountains, a high altitude tranquil lake, holy rivers, and sacred pilgrimage sites qualify it as the most colourful Himalayan Odyssey.
The magnificent beauty of this stunning array of colourful blossoms, which boasts the biggest variety of wildflower species, will stay with you for the rest of your life.
The valley was discovered by chance in 1931 by a group of mountaineers returning from an excursion to Mount Kamet. This group included Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton, and RL Holdsworth. Valley of Flowers was designated a national park in 1980, and the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve added it as the second core zone in 2000.
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It is now part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme. There are around 500 different types of flowers found here, and some of them have medicinal powers. Because several plant species are deemed threatened, no animal grazing is permitted in this area. You'll even be able to visit Joan Margaret's memorial cemetery while on the journey.
The journey to Hemkund Sahib, the highest sacred site mentioned in the programme, is challenging but rewarding, and if you have an additional day, you can even visit Badrinath or explore Rishikesh on your final day.
Some sections of the walk include well paths and several steps built out. Mules run from Govindghat to Ghangaria and Hemkund Sahib, but they are not permitted to enter the main valley. You should not expect comfortable accommodation while on the journey; there is no camping on this hike, and rudimentary lodges with a seepage smell are supplied. During the hike days, there is a very high risk of rain. Keep an extra day in your plan in case of road closures due to weather.
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When hiking, it is essential to have a decent quality rain jacket or poncho with you at all times. To keep the insides of the bag dry, utilise weather-resistant backpack coverings. Waterproof trekking shoes are required, and many pairs of socks should always be carried while going on monsoon hikes.
Quick Facts about Trek
Region- Uttarakhand
District- Chamoli
Altitude- 14,100 feet
Duration- 6 days
Trekking distance- 38 km
Difficulty level- Easy to moderate
Start point- Joshimath
End point- Joshimath
Base Camp- Ghangaria
Nearest railway station- Haridwar
Nearest airport- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Last ATM- At Joshimath
Best time to visit- July to August
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Rishikesh to Joshimath
You will start your tour at Rishikesh. And the legendary Badrinath Road.
The nine-hour drive to Joshimath will undoubtedly be long and exhausting, but you will never run out of breathtaking scenery. As we trek higher, the vast river that runs parallel to us will become more wild and intriguing. We shall pass across four of the Panchprayag, or Ganga's five sacred confluences: Devaprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandaprayag. So, keep your cameras ready and stay awake for most of the trip.
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Day 02: Joshimath - Ghangaria Trek
The distance between Joshimath and Govindghat is 20 kilometres. The final Vishnuprayag can be seen along the way. After breakfast, travel to Govindghat, then 4 km to Pulna, the starting site. It will be a 9 km uphill journey along the river, Pushpawati. Most of the time, the entire trail will be crowded. On this trail, numerous snack stalls are serving beverages, hot noodles, omelettes with bread, paratha, and other items.
As a result, you will never go hungry. The journey will take place on a well-defined stone-paved path that is easily equipped with stairs. After a 5-kilometre hike, you'll arrive at Bhyundar village. This town serves as an excellent vantage point for viewing Hathi Parvat. Enjoy the breathtaking views as much as you can before the strenuous steep hike begins. You will arrive at Gangharia before midnight, having climbed to an altitude of 10,000 feet. The accommodation will be in a guesthouse.
Day 03: Ghangaria - Valley of Flower - Ghangaria.
The trip to the Valley of Flowers is 4 kilometres long. The valley is 6-7 kilometres long; the distance travelled in the valley depends on how the hikers wish to explore it. Another issue to consider is the trekkers' stamina.
When you start from Ghangaria, the woodland checkpoint will be there in 30 minutes. The checkpoint itself is not particularly interesting, but just before it is a flowing waterfall known as the Laxman waterfall. After another 20 minutes in the greenery, the next ferocious attraction appears. The Pushpavati river is raging beneath a wooden bridge at this location. It is a common, yet distinct and captivating capture. The trail is steep and stone-paved like it was the day before. When you enter the valley, you'll notice a lot of bridges and landslide zones.
The valley is thousand times more spectacular than you could have dreamed. It brings the Himalayan peaks to life and makes them worth admiring. Native flowers include the Blue Poppy, Snake Foil, White Leaf Hog Foot, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Dog Flower, and Hooked Stick Seed. These amazing rainbow blossoms come to an end after a 5-kilometre length at a glacier. If the weather is clear, the massive Himalayan peaks of Nilgiri Parvat, Bhyundar Khal, Rattaban, Gauri Parvat, and others can be seen in the distance.
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Day 04: Ghangaria - Hemkund - Ghangaria
Prepare to begin trekking (6 km) for "HEMKUND SAHIB" early in the morning. The World's Highest Gurudwara, The Hemkund Sahib, is one of the most respected of all Sikh Shrines and is located at a height of 4,329 metres. If you need to discharge your cargo, porters and mules will be available. The trail today will be similar to the previous days in that it will be stone-paved and will continue to ascent. There will be shops along the road where you can refuel. Keep an eye out for the uncommon flower Brahmakamal, which will be growing alongside walkways.
The Gurudwara is magically positioned beside the glacier lake Hemkund. During bright skies, one may see the perfect reflections of the Saptrishi peaks. Melting glaciers from the Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi summits feed the lake. Near the lake, there is also a religious Laxman temple. In the afternoon, hike down to Ghangariya for the night. The evening is free to rest and unwind.
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Day 5: Ghangaria to Govindghat and drive to Joshimath
In the morning, after breakfast, descend to Govindghat and then drive to Joshimath. Badrinath is 25 kilometres away and takes one hour to arrive. You can only visit Badrinath if the road and weather conditions allow.
In the monsoon season, the area between Govindghat to Badrinath is prone to landslides.
Day 06: Joshimath to Rishikesh
You can start the ride at 6 am and you will reach Rishikesh around 5 - 6 pm.
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How to Reach
At first, you have to reach Rishikesh
Options
1. Travel to Rishikesh by overnight train or bus.
2. Travel by sleeper train or bus to Haridwar, then drive to Rishikesh (30 min drive with normal traffic)
3. Fly to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) and drive to Rishikesh (20 km, 20 minutes); if flying, arrive one day early.
The Himalayas will then take care of the rest of your journey.
If going by yourself
Options
1. Take an early morning bus (5:30-6:30 a.m.) or take a taxi to Joshimath (Full day drive)
2. Reserve a taxi for Joshimath/Govindghat.
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Star attractions of the Trek
· Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve-
The Nanda Devi Biosphere, which covers an area of 87.5 square kilometres and measures 8 kilometres in length and 2 kilometres in width, is a kaleidoscope of colourful flowers. Nanda Devi biosphere is one of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the Himalayas, flanked by Nanda Devi, India's second-highest peak. This World Heritage site is endowed with a distinct climate and soil that support a diverse range of habitats, species, and ecosystems. According to legend, Lord Hanuman gathered Sanjivani Buti here to resurrect Lakshman.
· Flowers, flowers and more flowers -
Valley of Flowers is a floral paradise, with a plethora of blossoms carpeting the meadows and crisscrossing the trekking trails. The quilt of blossoming flowers breathes new life into the valley; it is vibrantly coloured and fragrantly scented with floral species! Millions of wildflowers call this Himalayan jewel home, including poppies, calendula, daisies, Himalayan balsam, Himalayan hogweed, Himalayan Whorlflower, Himalayan Thyme, Marsh marigold, zinnia, petunias, lilies, and many more.
The fragrant flowers of the Himalayan Whorlflower change colour over time, from pale pink to rosy red. The woolly white flowers of the Edelweiss flower, a symbol of purity and beauty, captivate you. Edelweiss and Trailing Bellflower grow in a cluster on the ground.
Blue flowers in abundance are a rare sight because blue is an unusual colour for flowers. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to the blue geraniums, blue poppy, blue daisy-like flowers, and tiny beautiful blue forget-me-nots. Some of the valley's most prized floral offerings include the Brahma Kamal, blue poppy, and cobra Lily.
Blue Primula, known as the most beautiful Himalayan flower, can be seen blooming in infinite numbers in the valley among the countless varieties of Himalayan blossoms. The valley is transformed into a colourful kaleidoscope during the monsoon season, which lasts from mid-July to mid-August. When the valley is lit up with the brightest colours against the contrasting patches of green grass and azure skies, you can see the most incredible scenery.
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· Amazing fauna-
The Valley of Flowers is located in the heart of the Nanda Devi biosphere, which is home to rare and endangered animal species, exotic mountain birds, and butterflies. This biosphere is home to animals such as the Asiatic black bear, Musk deer, brown bear, snow leopard, blue sheep, and many others.
· Sacred rivers-
The holy Ganges, gurgling below the cliff in a mystic green avatar, flanks the beautiful road journey from Haridwar to Joshimath. The pristine aura of the white-sand bed on the Ganges' banks is enthralling. You can see the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers, which form the holy Ganges. The emerald green waters enchant you with their prolific abundance and sheer beauty. It's magical to see the two rivers, which are different shades of green, merge to form a single body of water.
· Sacred lake-
At an elevation of 14,100 feet, the awe-inspiring high altitude lake Hemkund Sahib is a sacred site for Hindus and Sikhs. Hemkund means "Snow Lake," and the lake does indeed remain frozen for seven months of the year. The beautiful glacial lake is nestled in the laps of the Hathi Parvat and Saptarishi peaks, with glaciers flowing into it from the peaks. The crystal clear waters of Hemkund reflect the view of the surrounding seven snow-clad peaks and glaciers.
The best view is of a small mountain stream called Himganga flowing out of the lake. Wildflowers, ferns, and moss are sprouting on the lake's banks as the weather warms and the snow melts. The magnificent and elusive Brahma Kamal grows abundantly in the lake's rocks. According to legend, Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, meditated on the shores of this lake. It is considered sacred to take a dip in the holy waters of this tranquil lake.
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· Gurudwara and Temple-
Pay your respects to the revered Guru Nanak Dev Sahib at the Shri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, the Sikhs' highest Gurudwara, located at 14,210 feet in elevation. Delicious langar is served in the Gurudwara grounds, which are adjacent to the glacial lake of Hemkund. The lake is also surrounded by a Lakshman Temple, where you can pray.
These are India's holiest sites of worship. People come from all over India and the world to perform religious rituals and seek salvation at this site of religious and spiritual parallelism. Because of snowy paths and glaciers, Hemkund is inaccessible from October to April.
· Joshimath-
Lord Badri spends the winter in the sacred town of Joshimath. During the winter, Lord Badri's idol is transported from Badrinath temple to Joshimath's Vasudeva temple. This holy town is a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination.
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· Ghangaria village-
This cosy hamlet is snuggled in the Himalayan embrace, perched at an elevation of 10,200 feet. Ghangaria, the last human settlement on the Bhyundar valley, is bounded by the confluence of the rivers Pushpawati (from the Valley of Flowers) and Himganga (coming from Hemkund Sahib). Observing the people's rustic lives in this village brings you closer to nature. Sipping a cup of tea with them while learning about their culture, daily life, rich Pahari cuisine, and folk songs is the icing on the cake.
Valley of Flowers best time
From June to October, the Valley of Flowers is open for business. Though each month presents a new vista with varying shades of colour, mid-July to mid-August is regarded as the best time to visit the Valley of Flowers Trek because hundreds of blooms splash the valley with vibrant hues of luminous colours against the lush green backdrop.
As the snow melts and the weather warms, the months of July and August come alive with cascading waterfalls and stunning glaciers.
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Valley of Flowers weather
Summer months of April to June
When the snow from the winter melts in the summer months, it infuses the mountain air with a crisp freshness. During this season, the area is a bird lover's paradise, with rare sightings of mountain birds and their melodious chirping. The flowers are just starting to bloom, and the fragrance in the air is intoxicating.
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Winter months of October to February
During the winter months of November to February, the landscape changes dramatically as flowers fade and the once-colourful region transforms into a frosty wonderland. The valley is inaccessible during these months because it closes on October 31st. If you enjoy solitude in the company of glittering snow, this is the place to go.
When the last of the blooming flowers have said their goodbyes for the year, October can be a treat to see the fall colours.
Monsoon months of July to September
With the arrival of the monsoon, the valley is infused with new life and comes alive with vibrant colours. During this season, the never-ending carpets of vibrant blossoms make for the ideal destination. You are witnessing the rarest and most beautiful floral species; a colourful expanse reminiscent of a painting from a book. The glossy green patches of fresh grass among the bouquet of flowers cast a magical glow on the place. The snow-covered mountains that rise from a blanket of bright flowers appear to kiss the sky. The entire valley is filled with the wonderful aroma of floral species.
Exotic Himalayan birds and animals enjoy the crisp atmosphere of the season and can be seen in large numbers.
Valley of Flowers temperature
The temperature in the summer months
The average temperature ranges from 17 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius.
The temperature in the winter months
The average temperature varies from a minimum of 0 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 15 degrees Celsius. The days are warm but nights are bone-chilling.
The temperature in monsoon months
The average temperature ranges from a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius to a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius.
Is Valley of Flowers Trek safe?
Uttarakhand is a simple people's state. Uttarakhand residents are down-to-earth, humble, and polite people who are deeply rooted in their culture. They are well-known for their gracious hospitality. The Valley of Flowers is regarded as one of the most secure treks.
Is Valley of Flowers trek recommended for beginners?
It's an easy to moderate trek that's a favourite of both beginners and experienced hikers. With some steep paths interspersed, it is recommended that beginners come with good physical stamina and mental endurance to enjoy nature's bounty. Remember not to push yourself or compete with other hikers. Enjoy the journey at your own pace and comfort level.
The difficulty level of the Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is a moderate to easy hike that is well-paved. The trek gradient is steep in some places, particularly the first and last three kilometres between Govindghat and Ghangaria, but the majority of the trek is moderate ascents and descents. You can even take a pony or a helicopter ride up to Ghangaria, the trek's base camp. During the monsoon season, however, the helicopter service is frequently disrupted due to foggy and rainy weather conditions. The only way to get to the Valley of Flowers from Ghangaria is to trek. Dolis or palanquins can still be hired to transport the elderly and children from Ghangaria to the valley.
It is an easy trek as there are good facilities available throughout the trekking route.
Valley of Flowers History/Story
Do you know that this trail was discovered by chance in 1931 by a British hiker named Frank Smith? It had to be the most beautiful accident of his life! For centuries, this enchanted fairyland went undiscovered until Frank Smith and his two mountaineer friends strayed from their trekking path and ended up in a flower-filled valley. They were completely taken aback by the floral splendour and aptly named it "The Valley of Flowers." Frank Smith, who was enamoured with the Valley of Flowers, even wrote a book about it. All trekkers are grateful to him for his most beautiful and flawless accident!
Mythology about the valley
The locals were always aware of the valley's existence. They still believe the valley is inhabited by fairies and Gods. It was once thought that anyone who visited the valley was captured by the fairies and never returned.
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